Well,Bill, here are a few shots at the theme:
Westlake's Dortmunder must be one of the hardest-working
crooks (also the dumbest and unluckiest, but that's another
matter). The guy works with such doggedness and devotion, but
what does he get in return?
Westlake's The Ax is one of the best (grimmest) novels about
white-collar workers. It shows that you can always find
something you're good at.
You just reminded me of how bleak Hamilton can be. Do you
think Matt Helm is some sort of case? The pressure is
constant and he has no life of his own.
About Keller: I like Hit Man but I wouldn't recommend reading
the stories one after another. There's a sameness to them.
The writing is brilliant and each story is good on its own,
but there's the risk of surfeit [the risk of surfeit? that
sounds like Ellroy or Henry James].
Dewey's Mac is a real worker. The guy gets the job done
efficiently, not without compassion but without lingering or
wavering. I suspect his novels are a lot closer to real
detective work than many more famous ones.
About DKA: Hell, yes. Dan Kearny sweats every dollar he
earns, as do his associates. He seems to derive no enjoyment
from his profession. He and Matt Helm could have great
conversations, or silences.
And that's enough for one day.
Best regards, and a special greeting to Captain Bill.
MrT
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